New guy needing help; looking at 2004 TJ tomorrow!

[Chris]

Very true Chris I have been reading up on a lot of your posts the last few days. I was planning on buying this coming Spring but this may be a good deal if it has NO RUST!

If there's no rust, the price isn't far off. Here on the West Coast, it would easily sell for that price, since we don't have to worry about rust over here. For instance, my last 2005 Rubicon I paid 20k for, which is the going rate for a clean, rust free TJ Rubicon in these parts.

So when I see that price, I think it's reasonable, assuming that it's got a very clean underside. The rust free frame and underside is hands down the most important thing to look for when shopping for used TJs.

 

[HDrdglide]

Thanks Chris I know you and others have stated many times to stay away from rust; I have owned several older Corvettes and also very true there as well; always inspect frame closely!

 

[fourpointzero]

Like someone said, if its the color, style, lift, wheels etc, that you want and it’s def clean of rust / corrosion, then you gotta hop on it. Price may be a little high...just a pinch. Looks super clean. Again, not seeing the interior and frame here. Def check the differentials and see if it’s the Dana44. Always a plus having the 44 rear. Not a deal killer if it doesn’t. But is nice to have for future plans in terms of wheel size or expanding your off-roadability.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HDrdglide]

Like someone said, if its the color, style, lift, wheels etc, that you want and it’s def clean of rust/corrosion, then you gotta hop on it. Price may be a little high.....just a pinch, but looks super clean. Again, not seeing interior and frame here. Big picture is a good way of looking at what people have. Def check the differentials and see if it’s the Dana44. That makes a nice difference in price.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Do most have the Dana44? I can find that on tag on diff?

 

[Boinked]

Do most have the Dana44? I can find that on tag on diff?

Dana 35 usually has a rubber plug.

 

[fourpointzero]

There ya go[emoji115]

If the owner gives you the VIN, you can search the build sheet online, free. Tells you specifics of the Jeep. Including color name, gearing, accessories, etc. I don’t have the link to the build sheet page, but Im sure someone else can chime in w it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HDrdglide]

There ya go[emoji115]

If the owner gives you the VIN, you can search the build sheet online, free. Tells you specifics of the Jeep. Including color name, gearing, accessories, etc. I don’t have the link to the build sheet page, but Im sure someone else can chime in w it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks I will try and get VIN

 

[CodaMan]

You can run the VIN here —

https://jeep.custhelp.com/app/jeep/eqlisting_detail/

 

[BillNyeIsHigh]

I believe since it's an X it will have the Dana 35. I could be wrong though. There is a useful guide somewhere around here that lists features by model.

 

[skrelnik]

I believe since it's an X it will have the Dana 35. I could be wrong though. There is a useful guide somewhere around here that lists features by model.

X - 2002-2006
* 4.0L I-6 engine
* No Dana 44 option
* Dana 44 only used with certain Special Edition models (see below)

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/wrangler-tj-stock-specifications.71/

 

[S.McArthur]

That's a fair price around my area. It's on the higher end but it is a fair asking price. Don't forget to open the air box and look at the filter and intake tube. Lift the carpet and look at the tub as well.
I'd offer 10k and save the last 2k to pay the taxes/titling fees.

 

[HDrdglide]

That's a fair price around my area. It's on the higher end but it is a fair asking price. Don't forget to open the air box and look at the filter and intake tube. Lift the carpet and look at the tub as well.
I'd offer 10k and save the last 2k to pay the taxes/titling fees.

Thanks for the helpful info!

I am kind of thinking I should just take more time and look for a Rubicon? I am still trying to decide!

 

[cliffish]

Prices will go up in the spring...I see it here in NY now there are TJ's all over the place for sale much less than what they are leading up till summer.

That Gold rubicon you listed seems like a real solid deal...If you can take the color, it is a rare color. I paid $9500 last year for my half door X model with 100K on it last year. What I like about the silver one you are looking at is the fact that he replaced it with a silver JK. To me this means he loves the jeep, probably took very good car of it and just "upgraded" (or downgraded to us). If the frame is good and you can get him down a little go for it. Even at full asking I doubt you would be shamed for paying that if it is a good one. Everyone has a story or a link to a "better" deal...eye of the beholder my man.

 

[HDrdglide]

Prices will go up in the spring...I see it here in NY now there are TJ's all over the place for sale much less than what they are leading up till summer.

That Gold rubicon you listed seems like a real solid deal...If you can take the color, it is a rare color. I paid $9500 last year for my half door X model with 100K on it last year. What I like about the silver one you are looking at is the fact that he replaced it with a silver JK. To me this means he loves the jeep, probably took very good car of it and just "upgraded" (or downgraded to us). If the frame is good and you can get him down a little go for it. Even at full asking I doubt you would be shamed for paying that if it is a good one. Everyone has a story or a link to a "better" deal...eye of the beholder my man.

I agree looking at the house and other Jeep and cars everything seems to be taken care of very well. I hope he can come down on price and maybe I can make it work.

 

[cliffish]

like you said offer $10K and have cash with you...after of course looking it over, try and find things that need to be replaced like tires or other things you can point out to justify your price (without bashing the jeep) most importantly cash talks.

 

[MikeM1554]

Not sure if you have read this or not but here is an article for some things to look for when shopping for a new TJ

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/tips-for-buying-a-1997-2006-jeep-wrangler-tj.13935/

 

[HDrdglide]

Not sure if you have read this or not but here is an article for some things to look for when shopping for a new TJ

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/tips-for-buying-a-1997-2006-jeep-wrangler-tj.13935/

Yes I read once but need to review again, thanks.

 

[HDrdglide]

Maybe not as rust free as I hoped! Looks like Dana 35? This is picture seller text over.

 

[cliffish]

any more of the actual frame?

 

[HDrdglide]